Having a well organised and tastefully decorated kitchen is a prerequisite
for every home. This is not a space that you can easily and
frequently renovate, as the costs of doing so are also considerable.
So you need to plan well for this special space of yours!

It
would be better not to consider this room merely a place for cooking
food and washing dishes. Nowadays, with open floor plans in place,
kitchens share the same status as the living or dining room when it
comes to sociability. It is in this area where family members meet
over a hearty meal, sharing their stories with each other.

What
is a smart layout for my kitchen?

Due
to the sheer number of options available, when it comes to choosing
an appropriate layout, many people start to feel slightly clueless. A
smart layout can improve the efficiency and substantially reduce your
workload. In other words, with right layout you will have less
running around to do.

To
choose a proper layout, think hard about the space you are about to
decorate. When space is not a constraining factor, it is better to
honour the classic triangle between sink, oven and refrigerator.
U-shaped and L-shaped kitchens can help you to make optimal use of
the corner spaces.

Small
contemporary apartments or one-room apartments can make efficient use
of one-wall design.

How
do I design an elegant kitchen?

A
deliciously decorated kitchen must have the right combination of
flooring, furniture and colour scheme. For easy maintenance, choose
the right materials for this space. From porcelain tiles to wood,
terracotta to stone, vinyl to cork the available flooring choices are
many and varied.

An
elegantly decorated space should also include a stylish breakfast
table and chairs, with bar stools placed alongside the counter. Most
importantly, make room for ample storage space in this area. Colour
coordinate, and give each section a chic appearance.

What
should I consider according to feng shui?

For
the health and wellbeing of your family, you may be interested to
design your kitchen based on the traditional wisdom of feng shui.
Feng shui recommends a well balanced interior décor and easy flow of
positive energy throughout this area. Access to natural light and air
is highly essential for any feng shui-compliant space.

Specific
design requirements change and configurations differ considerably
from one place to another. These elements depend on your personality,
the location of the house and direction of the space itself.

Feng
shui discourages the central location of a kitchen, as with its
energising presence it is capable of interrupting the peaceful
ambience of the house. Kitchens occupying east, northeast or
southeast corners of a building are highly favoured.

According
to its design philosophy, the doors must not open towards bedrooms or
toilets. Feng shui also recommends use of earthen shades in
combination with other more energising colours to offset the already
warm atmosphere. Using eco-friendly and sustainable materials is also
preferred for this space.

How
do I choose the right kitchen cabinets?

The
market is replete with trendy kitchen cabinets. But the best ones for
you would be those that improve the efficiency of your space. Going
for a fully customisable option is best, but not always affordable.
However, in the long run, cabinets customised to your needs may yield
greater benefits. Besides, they reduce the costs of repeated
remodelling.

Use
elaborate drawers under the worktop and island, and utilise these
drawers to store items that are frequently needed. Wall-hung cabinets
and shelves increase your storage space. Wall cabinets extending to
the ceiling can be used to tuck in those items that are required only
occasionally.

Cabinets
made of natural or engineered wood are highly cherished. Mahogany,
maple, walnut or bamboo can be used to build durable and stylish
cabinets. Storage units with lacquered finish give a lustrous
makeover to any cooking space.

Decorating
a small kitchen can be a significant headache to the modern
homeowner. But as you start designing this space, your worries are
bound to dissipate! Choose a layout that is suited for your small
space. One-wall, L-shaped, walk-through or galley kitchens are some
of the preferred options for small homes.

Install
wall-hung cabinets and shelves, and build pot racks to store your
utensils. Replace your bulky island with a modish and lightweight
table. Avoid all kinds of clutter. Use mirrors or glossy surfaces to
give an expansive feel. Add LED strips to illuminate the space. Chic
pendant lighting can be used for its decorative presence.

In
an extremely narrow space, the use of roll-out cabinets and drop-down
or wall-mounted tables can prove to be more functional. Foldaway
tables, chairs or backless stools that can be easily tucked under the
countertop can help you make more efficient use of the available
space.

How
do I design an outdoor kitchen?

Outdoor
entertainment zones should always boast a well decorated outdoor
kitchen. When available space is small, extend a portion of your
existing kitchen to the outdoor area you are planning to decorate.
You can also build a simple barbecue area in one corner of your
terrace.

When
you are not plagued by such concerns, you can build a standalone and
fully furnished space to serve sumptuous dinners to your guests.
Remember to arrange for the basics first; a grill, minimal worktop,
outdoor refrigeration, simple shelves and elaborate seating
arrangements are all that you require.

As
you can see, the requirements for an outdoor kitchen are in no way as
extensive as for its indoor counterpart. Unless you plan to use this
space every evening, consider having portable ovens, a side burner or
pizza oven. If you don’t like carrying dirty dishes inside, install
a dishwasher here.

Buy
appropriate lighting fixtures to brighten up the area and set the
right tone, and opt for furniture that is capable of withstanding the
elements of nature. Choose weather-resistant canvas covers for
cushions and upholstery.